To light the way around the world, a scientist in Mexico has invented a glow-in-the-dark cement that could provide illumination in cities that never goes out, without the need for electricity.

During the past nine years scientist Jose Carlos Rubio of Mexico’s University of San Nicolas de Hidalgo has been working on producing cement that glows in the dark – and he’s finally done it. Recently patented by Rubio, his invention of glow-in-the-dark cement has a myriad of applications that do more than just make artistic expression a possibility.

The product can be used for creating streets and pathways as well as buildings, and can even be used in plaster. The illumination produced is done so without the need for electricity. A revolutionary concept given that every city in the world wants to save power!

Rubio claims his cement should glow for around 12 hours, with an adjustable brightness that can be tailored for use. In this way lower light emission can be used in areas in which glare can inhibit safe travel. The cement should last for around 100 years and can shine in shades of green or blue.

The long journey to his patent was not without its challenges. Rubio claims the cement’s opacity was an obstacle that was overcome by the removal of the crystal flakes that occur as a byproduct during traditional cement production. In changing the microstructure of the cement he was able to remove the resultant unnecessary byproduct and produce cement that can absorb solar energy and emit light.

In addition to an entertaining glow, Rubio’s cement product is environmentally friendly to produce. During the course of production the only thing released is water vapor.

Commercialisation of Rubio’s invention is the next step. Glowing streets could be headed your way sooner than you think.